FAST-Forward: Anyone had Ultra-hypofractionated Radiotherapy?

Posted by sessooner @sessooner, Feb 27, 2021

I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has had FAST-Forward/Ultra-Hyprofractionation radiation therapy for breast cancer. My radiation oncologist is recommending this for me. I am an active, previously very healthy, 67-year-old female who recently had a partial mastectomy for Stage 1, Grade 2 ILC.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Feb 28, 2021

Hi @sessooner, Your radiation oncologist has the right idea. I have personally witnessed this procedure and I can tell you that it is lightyears ahead of its time. It preserves so much more tissue and alleviates damage to other organs as a great result. Even if you need full or partial breast irradiation, so long as you're not in need or require lymph node irradiation, I can confidently say, I have witnessed through third party results that it works. It is slightly awkward to begin with as they kind of vacuum seal you to the table to make sure you don't move, but it is for the safety of your vital organs and tissues surrounding the area.

I would like to share with you an article from Mayo regarding the subject in hopes that you find it educational - https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/cancer/news/breast-radiotherapy-team-at-mayo-clinic-adopts-shortened-courses-to-spare-normal-tissue/mac-20503415

After your partial mastectomy, did you experience any ramifications? May I also ask who you are seeing and at what facility?

sessooner | @sessooner | Feb 28, 2021

In reply to @amandaa "Hi @sessooner, Your radiation oncologist has the right idea. I have personally witnessed this procedure and..." + (show)

Thank you for your helpful reply. I am seeing the Breast Center team at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and have received incredible care from everyone on the team. So much about this shortened treatment regimen makes sense and seems quite promising. I was feeling the need for some reassurance that this is the best option for me. I had done some research on this procedure and found much of the published information to be in medical journals that were challenging for a layperson to fully understand. The link you provided beautifully summarized the benefits of this shortened course of treatment. Thank you.

Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Feb 28, 2021

@sessooner , please know both myself and other members of the community are here for you. Let us know the outcome of what the doctors in Jacksonville say. I am originally from there and just recently moved out of state. I can attest to the wonderful care at the facility and know several of the oncologists. I would also love to know who they scheduled you with if you would like to share.